Tom’s Picks: Winter 2012

MARTIN SEXTON, Fall Like Rain (EP) [★★★★/3.800]
Singer/Songwriter/Soulster Sexton continues to perspicaciously reflect back on life with his songwriting while delivering mind-bending falsetto with his song. What this album lacks in length it makes up for in content. Four soul-searching originals plus a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” – a song perhaps as meaningful today as it was 46 years ago.

CHUCK PROPHET, Temple Beautiful [★★★★/3.667]
12th studio album and 3rd on Yep Roc. Best described by Prophet himself, “The record’s an unsentimental (though loving) tour of San Francisco. Made in San Francisco by San Franciscans about San Francisco. My effort to tap into the history, the weirdness, the energy and spontaneity that brought me here in the first place.” Lo-fi rockin’ goodness sure to make Dylan and Petty proud. Standout:Castro Halloween

RUTHIE FOSTER, Let It Burn [★★★★/3.500]
Recorded in New Orleans, this is Foster’s first album where she’s not playing an instrument putting extra focus on her vocals. William Bell and The Blind Boys of Alabama contribute to add extra layers of soulfulness to this collection of originals and covers.

Recorded over a period of four years with childhood friend, Paul Curreri, The Southern Draw is the follow-up to Drew Gibson’s debut record Letterbox. Drew and Paul team up to provide most of the instrumentation with guitars, pianos, organs and more. Drums contributions come from Nate Brown and Todd Wellons (Sons of Bill). Curreri’s wife, Devon Sproule, contributes on a stunning duet called “We Move By Wagon Train”. Forget the Jayhawks, this is rainy day music. Don’t we all need a little rain?

About the author: Washington, D.C. area web designer by day. Certifiable music freak by night. Husband and father of two by the loving grace of God.